Concierge sinus endoscopy · London
Private sinus endoscopy in London, by a consultant ENT rhinologist.
A quick, high-definition scope of the sinuses by an ENT rhinologist — with same-visit CT sinuses if we need to plan surgery.
Why patients choose us
- 01
Straight talk on the scope
Standard endoscopy, endoscopy with CT review, or endoscopy with culture — we explain what each option actually involves.
- 02
Consultant ENT rhinologists
We route to consultant ENT rhinology surgeons working in CQC-registered London clinics.
- 03
Same-visit answers
For most patients the findings are explained the same visit. Cultures and any histology we chase and explain.
Indicative pricing
What a private sinus endoscopy costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner ENT rhinology clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A standard sinus endoscopy in our network: £250–£500, with findings the same visit.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard sinus endoscopy | £250–£500 | 15–20 min | Same visit |
| Sinus endoscopy + CT report review | £400–£800 | 45 min | Same visit |
| ENT consult + sinus endoscopy | £350–£700 | 45 min | Same visit |
| Culture-directed sinus swab | £280–£550 | 15 min | 3–5 days |
| Post-operative sinus check | £220–£450 | 15 min | Same visit |
| Urgent same-week appointment | £400–£800 | Half-day | Same-week |
Prices vary by clinic, whether a full ENT consultation is included, and whether cultures or a CT sinuses review are added. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Chronic sinusitis, polyps, post-nasal drip — people wait too long.
Repeated antibiotics and nasal sprays only go so far. A sinus endoscopy shows what is actually going on at the drainage pathways — and it is easier than most people expect.
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Anxious about the scope?
A local anaesthetic spray numbs the nose. Most patients say it is easier than a dental check-up.
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Waiting for an NHS slot?
For persistent sinusitis or a red flag, days matter. We can arrange sinus endoscopy within a week.
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Not sure you need one?
Sometimes an allergy test, a CT sinus or a course of the right spray is the better first step. We will say so.
The journey
From enquiry to findings — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to results — including the bit after the procedure.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~45 min at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, timeline, prior CT sinuses, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which endoscopy, which clinic, indicative price. If sinus endoscopy isn’t the right step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Usually within a week — same-week slots if you need one. We flag anticoagulation, prior sinus surgery and any recent cold.
- 04
On the day
Arrival, consent and anaesthetic spray
You meet your consultant ENT rhinologist. A local anaesthetic spray numbs the nose and sinus openings — no sedation, no cannula.
- 05
On the day
The endoscopy itself
A high-definition rigid or flexible endoscope passes through the nostril to inspect each meatus, the septum and any polyps. 15–20 minutes for a standard look.
- 06
On the day
Discussion in the same room
The consultant shows you the video, explains what they saw, and writes the plan — including whether a CT sinuses is needed.
- 07
After
Findings and next steps
Any culture or histology results follow in 3–14 days, and we make sure they are explained and any onward FESS referral arranged.
Typical end-to-end: 1–2 weeks. Urgent cases: days.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
Sinus endoscopy answers questions no other sinus test can — and can take cultures or a biopsy as it goes. These are the reasons people come to us.
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Chronic rhinosinusitis
Direct high-definition view of each meatus, septum and mucosa — the definitive test.
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Nasal polyps
Confirms polyps, their size and how much of the airway and sinus openings they occupy.
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Recurrent sinus infection
Locates the obstructed drainage pathway and enables a culture-directed swab.
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Post-nasal drip
Assesses mucosal swelling, discharge and any polyp burden behind persistent post-nasal drip.
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Tumour surveillance
Follow-up scoping after treatment of sinus or nasopharyngeal tumours.
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Anosmia work-up
Direct look at the olfactory cleft and any polyps or inflammation causing loss of smell.
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Recurrent nose bleeds
Identifies the bleeding point on the septum, turbinate or in the sinus openings.
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Red flag: unilateral bleeding + facial numbness
Urgent ENT — 2-week wait head-and-neck pathway.
Scope types
Not all sinus endoscopies are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Standard sinus endoscopy
A high-definition rigid or flexible endoscope through one nostril under local anaesthetic spray. The standard diagnostic scope.
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Sinus endoscopy + CT review
Endoscopy combined with a formal review of your CT sinuses — the essential pairing before considering FESS.
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Sinus endoscopy + culture
A directed swab from an infected meatus, sent for microbiology to guide antibiotic choice.
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ENT consult + endoscopy
Full ENT consultation with a rhinologist, endoscopy and a written management plan in the same visit.
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Post-op sinus check
Routine post-operative check of the sinus cavities after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).
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Balloon sinuplasty referral
Where endoscopy and CT suggest limited outflow obstruction, an onward pathway to balloon sinuplasty.
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Biopsy of nasal lesion
A small tissue sample is taken from a suspicious nasal or sinus lesion and sent for histology.
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Urgent same-week endoscopy
Prioritised slot for red-flag symptoms — unilateral bleeding, facial numbness, or a suspected mass.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
ENT rhinology partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every ENT rhinology clinic in our network.
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Consultant ENT rhinologists
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High-definition endoscopy
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CT sinuses on-site if needed
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Onward FESS pathway
Safety and eligibility
Very safe — a few sensible things to know.
Sinus endoscopy is a very safe outpatient procedure under local anaesthetic spray. A few sensible details around anticoagulation, prior imaging and post-scope care — we coordinate them.
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Local anaesthetic spray only
A local anaesthetic spray numbs the nose and sinus openings. No sedation, no cannula, no fasting needed.
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Brief discomfort
A pressure sensation, mild sneeze reflex and a watery eye are normal. It settles as the endoscope is withdrawn.
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Minor bleeding possible
A small nosebleed can occur, especially in patients on blood thinners. Usually settles with gentle pressure.
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Avoid blowing your nose for 1 hr after
Gentle care of the nose for the first hour reduces the chance of any late bleed and keeps the anaesthetic in place.
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Driving safe
There is no sedation, so you can drive yourself to and from the appointment.
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Sneezing during scope is fine
The endoscope is thin and flexible enough that a sneeze reflex causes no harm — just tell the consultant.
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Pregnancy safe
Sinus endoscopy under local anaesthetic spray is considered safe in pregnancy. Tell us if you are or might be pregnant.
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Anticoagulation continues
For a standard diagnostic sinus endoscopy your warfarin, DOAC or antiplatelet can usually continue — never stop on your own.
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Always share prior CT sinuses
Bring any CT sinuses, MRI or previous operation notes — it changes what the rhinologist looks for.
Reading your report
A sinus endoscopy report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
However much was examined, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
You will be told the headline in the same room — cultures and any histology take a little longer.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and symptoms
Your details, the symptoms behind the referral, and any prior sinus surgery or imaging noted.
- 02 Technique
Route and video capture
Which endoscope was used, which nostril was passed, and confirmation that HD video was captured.
- 03 Findings
Each meatus, septum, polyp burden
The middle meatus, superior meatus, septum, turbinates and polyp burden described in turn, with any discharge or lesion recorded.
- 04 Impression
Read first — the plan
The conclusion — normal, chronic rhinosinusitis, polyps, biopsy plan or FESS referral — and what happens next.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Most policies cover sinus endoscopy when clinically indicated; we confirm cover and pre-authorisation before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about sinus endoscopy.
Quick answers on cost, comfort, imaging, safety and results.
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What does a sinus endoscopy actually show?
A high-definition endoscope passed through the nose gives a direct view of each meatus (the drainage pathways of the sinuses), the septum, turbinates and any polyps or discharge. It is the definitive test for chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, recurrent sinus infection and post-nasal drip, and it is the essential first step before planning any sinus surgery.
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What is the difference between sinus endoscopy and nasendoscopy?
They overlap. A general flexible nasendoscopy looks at the whole airway from nose to voice box. A sinus endoscopy is focused specifically on the sinus openings and drainage pathways, is usually done with a rigid HD scope, and is what a rhinologist uses to plan chronic sinusitis care and FESS. If your problem is sinusitis, polyps or post-nasal drip, this is the scope you want.
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Does a sinus endoscopy hurt?
It is uncomfortable rather than painful. A local anaesthetic spray numbs the nose and sinus openings first. Most people notice a pressure feeling, a brief sneeze reflex and a watery eye, all of which settle as the endoscope is withdrawn. There is no sedation, no cannula and no fasting.
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How much does a private sinus endoscopy cost in London?
A standard diagnostic sinus endoscopy is typically £250–£500 in our network. Combined with a formal CT sinuses review it is £400–£800, and with a full ENT consultation £350–£700. A culture-directed sinus swab is £280–£550. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a GP referral?
No. A sinus endoscopy is arranged with a short ENT consultation first so the right endoscope and any imaging is chosen. We can arrange that consultation quickly — no GP letter needed to get started.
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Is sinus endoscopy safe in pregnancy?
Yes. Sinus endoscopy under local anaesthetic spray is considered safe in pregnancy. Tell us if you are or might be pregnant so we choose the right clinic and avoid any medication that isn’t appropriate.
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When is a sinus CT needed?
A CT sinuses maps the bony anatomy of the sinuses in a way endoscopy cannot. It is essential before functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and often paired with endoscopy for chronic rhinosinusitis, recurrent infection or polyps that are not settling. Our partner clinics can arrange same-visit CT sinuses where indicated.
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How quickly do I get my results?
The endoscopy findings are usually explained in the same visit — your consultant shows you the HD video and writes the plan there and then. Culture results follow in 3–5 days and any histology in 7–14 days; we make sure both are explained.
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Can a biopsy be taken during a sinus endoscopy?
Yes. A small tissue sample can be taken from a suspicious nasal or sinus lesion during the same visit and sent for histology. Anticoagulation is reviewed before biopsy, and results are explained by your consultant.
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When should I see a GP urgently?
Unilateral bleeding combined with facial numbness, a lump in the neck, unexplained hearing loss on one side, double vision or a rapidly enlarging cheek swelling are red flags on the 2-week wait head-and-neck pathway. Contact your GP the same week or ask us to route you privately.
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